Highlights of the week ending 18 February
Although Parliament is in recess, that hasn’t stopped the flow of policy pronouncements and speeches. DfE published Sir David Bell’s review of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, and in doing so announced the removal of its policy role. Response from the sector has been mixed with some welcoming ESFA’s tighter focus, whereas others wondered whether an opportunity had been missed for a more radical shake up.
Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan has called for university adverts to include drop out and graduate employment rates to support student choice. This was as UCAS published it 2022 applicant figures. There was a slight dip in total applications, with a drop in mature applications and a rise in those from 18 year-olds.
Nadhim Zahawi launched new guidance for schools around political impartiality. It aims to support teachers on teaching subjects like climate change and the British Empire. Some unions expressed concern that the non- statutory guidance will lead to confusion.
Read the full policy watch briefing